CAPE SABLE ISLAND - Police say 48 crates, around $30,000, of live lobster was stolen from an outdoor pound on Cape Sable Island.

Barrington RCMP are investigating a theft that occurred in the overnight hours of Jan. 12 to Jan. 13.

“We are hoping someone saw something,” said Cpl. Mike O’Callaghan with the Barrington RCMP. “It is something that would have taken (the thieves) many hours.”

Each of the 48 crates contained 100 pounds of lobster.

This is one of the largest thefts of lobsters for the area and RCMP are asking community members to be on the lookout for people selling the stolen lobsters.

“They are not just stealing from the lobster pound they are stealing from the whole community,” said O’Callaghan.

He said police are looking at all angles.

Because of the amount of crates stolen, officers suspect a larger truck was used in the theft.

Barrington RCMP are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crime, or has information about this crime, to call police at 902-637-2325 or Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can also text TIP202 + your message to 'CRIMES' (274637) or access Secure Web Tips at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca. Calls to Crime Stoppers are not taped or traced and if police make an arrest and lay charges based on a tip, callers could qualify for a cash reward of $50 - $2,000.